₦airaland Forum

TheGoodJoe:
The outstretched part of the write up is when trying to judge if it accidental or not. If a player outstretches his arm and an opponent plays the ball, it is taken that the player stretched his arms intentionally to deny the opposition a scoring opportunity.

In this case Rojo's arms were not totally outstretched. He jumped to nod the ball, nodded it and accidentally it hit his hand. Never intentional and purely accidental. No way a penalty.

Finito.

He must not outstrech his arm above his head but he did exactly that. Finito

TheGoodJoe:
Come on. No way. The rule is clear. If it is a clear accident, no penalty.

Why are you being mischievous, huh?

Did you read the last sentence that said whether it is intentionally or unintentionally?

Oya! show it full.

TheGoodJoe:
Creative attacking football. Not just attacking. You can not compare Obuh's boys to even Tella's boys in display, let alone Manu's U17 boys or Amunike's U17 boys.

John Obuh attacking or creative football is far better than Garba and Amunuike's creative attacking football. That was why he was able to qualify us to the U20 twice and reached the quater finals once. We lost to Lacazette and Griezman in a very entertaining end to end attacking football display. We saw Garba team poor display in the U20 level and Amunike's U20 that couldn't qualify for the world cup. Abeg!


However, I didn't watch that Tella's set or can I say I didn't really follow. So, I can't talk about it.

TheGoodJoe:
John Obuh ke. That is no where close to a creative attacking coach.

Did you watch John Obuh U17 and U20 boys?

That former made me make U turn to start watching Nigerian Football with keen interest.

That is what I call attacking football.

TheGoodJoe:
The referee still get advices from the VAR room. Unless we want to say Iceland deserved a penalty due to Ebuehi's arm touching the ball in the last leg, no way Nigeria deserved a penalty.

Which ever way, na penalty. The ball hit his hand to obstruct a ball going to an opponent.

Opinionated:
Nigeria has crashed out of the World Cup after a 2-1 defeat in its last group game to Argentina. Lionel Messi scored in the 14th minute with Victor Moses converting from the penalty spot in the 51st minute. Marcus Rojo’s 86th minute strike gave Argentina the victory.

1. Nigeria’s Penalty was Soft

We have seen those given but at the same time, most referees might not give it because Leon was playing for the foul. Good move by him though.

2. The Ighalo Situation was not a Penalty

The defender rose to head the ball and hit is hand inadvertently. This is not the only factor though, the ball still got to Ighalo who had the chance to bury it without inhibition. The referee got it right and if we want to grow in football, we should learn to stop playing the victim card. It was a case of ball-to-hand and that is not usually punished in football.

3. Ighalo Should have Scored

Scoring goals on-the-volley is not as easy as we might think but Odion Ighalo should have scored. A big miss that proved costly in a big game. Big games are won on fine margins and Ighalo failed to score with a good chance before that too. Should have squared the ball instead of shooting? A good question to ask.

4. We Need a Genuine No.10 and World Class Striker

The Super Eagles simply lacked a proper No.10 with real playmaking ability. Mikel Obi is effectively a No. 4. We might want to have a look at Kelechi Nwakali for the role. He can take freekicks, is a great passer of the ball, can finish too.

5. Uzoho is our Discovery of of this tournament

His fingertip safe of Messi’s first half free kick is one of the saves of the tournament so far. He looked calm and assured in all of our 3 games. He has a bright future ahead of him.

6. Victor Moses Should Be Our Official Penalty Taker

The world applauded his penalty and his technique is quite different from popular penalty styles. He scored in a friendly against Poland before the World Cup and did it again today.

7. Let’s Keep Gernot Rohr

Gernot Rohr is probably the best coach we have had since Clemens Westerhof in terms of building a group of players ready to work hard to achieve better results. If he stays long enough, we could have a very good team in the next 4 years that might challenge for the World Cup.

8. Messi Has the Wind in his Sails

Great players defy the odds to achieve success. Messi scored tonight and was a potent threat that the Nigerian team found difficult manage. The Argentina team are learning to rise to the occasion with Messi as their leader. They meet France next and that should be quite a game.

9. Argentina found a way to win

The team that will beat this Argentina side will have to work hard. They have gone through adversity and survived. Watch out for them although the team still needs the likes of Higuain and Aguero to find their best form.

10. Let us move Forward with Team and Improve our Football Structure

Nigeria is out of Russia 2018. We should rapidly let that sink in and look to the future. We should create the necessary structures via youth academies, the league structure to add professionalism that breeds excellence to our football. There should proper structure to develop players, coaches, referees and administrators. Every role needs development and skill advancement.

Let us not forget to encourage the players and the coaching team, they have done their best under the circumstances and should be supported to do better in the future.

Source: Top 10 Takeaways from Nigeria’s Loss to Argentina and Elimination from Russia 2018

Kelechi Nwakali is down the pecking order in regards to a playmaker. Alex Iwobi, Abdul Ajagun,Tega Onomah and Ebere Eze are in a better position than him.

Kelechi Nwakali should make the starting eleven of a decent league first before he should be considered but unfortunately he struggled in the Eredivise last season before he was sent on loan to the second division of the Eredivise where he played last season.

goldfish80:
If truly the referee said this, then it is a shame. The man is not fit to officiate at this level. If FIFA has any shred of integrity, he should be sent home and made to refund every allowance due to him.
The players should have walked out of the pitch the minute he admitted it was a hand ball and doesn't know why it was a pen.

From the referee's response, it was a blunder call not to give a penalty.

So sad.

Nigeria stars claim referee robbed them of World Cup last 16 spot as 'big country bias' sees Lionel Messi and Argentina through

SIMON JOHNSON in St Petersburg
3 hours ago

Victor Moses has accused referee Cuneyt Cakir and VAR of robbing Nigeria of a place in the last 16 at the World Cup.

Nigeria lost 2-1 to Argentina on Tuesday as they were eliminted at the group stage by Marcos Rojo's late winner.

But Moses was left furious after Gernot Rohr's side didn’t get a second penalty when Rojo headed the ball against his own arm in the area.

The game was tied 1-1 at the time, but after Cakir reviewed the incident as part of the VAR process, the Turkish match official decided not to award the spot-kick.

Captain Mikel John Obi appeared to suggest afterwards that Cakir didn’t give it because Argentina are one of the more fancied teams in the competition and Moses was in agreement.

When asked by Standard Sport if he felt Nigeria missed out because they’re not as big a team as Argentina, he replied: “Yes. Obviously It was (Lionel) Messi’s day! If you look at it again, we all thought it was a penalty.

“He (Cakir) went to have a look at it again just to confirm it and he came back saying it was not a penalty. But if you look at the replay, it was totally a penalty.

“To have VAR you have to get decisions right and if you’re not getting things right, there is no point having it. Then there is also the playing and stopping the game again for two or three minutes, it’s just got to be right.

“It was definitely a penalty. I think the same decision was given in the Iran vs Portugal game. It was totally the same situation. The referee should have given it.”

When it was put to him that another sign of favouritism came the night before when Cristiano Ronaldo only received a yellow card following a VAR review despite being seen to elbow Iran’s Morteza Pouraliganji, he added: “To me it is kind of getting out of hand. They need to get it right."

Mikel was seen remonstrating with Cakir on the pitch soon after the decision not to penalise Rojo and following the match, he also questioned how VAR is being used.

The former Chelsea midfielder said: “For big countries it goes their way, small countries? I don’t want to comment about it. You can come to your own opinion yourself - that’s all I can say about it.

“I think the most obvious one was the second penalty - I don’t understand how that is not a penalty. I asked the referee ‘did it touch the hand?’ and he said ‘yes’.

“I said ‘why don’t you give the penalty?’ and he said he ‘doesn’t know’. I’m like ‘You don’t know? But you’re the referee, you need to give the penalty’.

“This is a game we should win, we could have scored another penalty, but this is what happens with VAR.”

Argentina took the lead through Messi, but struggled after Moses equalised from the spot in the 51st minute.

The Chelsea right-wing-back does not think Argentina are good enough to win the competition.

France are their next opponents and Moses said: “They’re a good team but it’s not like they beat us 4-0 or 5-0. They will find it hard. It is not going to be easy who they play next. They’re (France) going to be strong.”

Barcelona and Argentina defender Javier Mascherano though feels everyone in the camp has been given a much needed dramatic lift by the victory.

It is believed a rift had grown between some of the players and coach Jorge Sampaoli after they’d picked up just one point from their opening two matches.

Mascherano said: “We did not start the World Cup in the best way, that is clear. We got into a mess, but against Nigeria we were able to clean up the mess a bit. We will see how it continues (against France) on Saturday in Kazan.

"The main thing was to go through. We would have liked to go through first in the group but it was not to be and now we have to face what is coming.

"France are a great team, one of the favourites to win the World Cup. We are not favourites, we are here to fight and to see if it works for us. Hopefully it will be enough.

"Obviously after our failures before there are still a lot of things to put right, but fighting to the end is what earned us the reward. We never backed down.

World Cup Matchday Preview, Wednesday June 27
“Many times this team could have fallen into frustration but against Nigeria we were not frustrated, we fought back and it is a joy that we have been able to take that step forward mentally.”

Meanwhile, Moses admitted immediately after the game he had no idea when Chelsea want him to report back for pre-season training.

Those not involved in the World Cup are due to start preparing for the next campaign on July 9, but obviously those participating in Russia will be given extended time off - the length of which depends on how far their side progresses.

There is a lot of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge right now with the club set to appoint Maurizio Sarri as their new coach, but they have yet to dismiss Antonio Conte.

When asked by Standard Sport when he would start training with Chelsea again, he replied: “I don’t know yet to be honest. I might get a call later on tonight and will find out how long I’ve got off.” And pressed on who will tell him, he added: “I don’t know.”

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/943972781?-19787:29107:3

Nigeria: How Coach Costs Nigeria the Match Against Argentina - Sports Minister

By Tonye Bakare

The inability of Nigeria's technical crew to make necessary changes that could have helped the Super Eagles hang on for a draw against Argentina on Tuesday night cost the team a spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup, the country's sports minister has said.

Nigeria were beaten 2-1 by a spirited La Albiceleste, who would have crashed out of the competition had the game ended in a draw.

Although the referee ruled out a clear chance for a second penalty award against Argentina, and substitute Odion Ighalo missed a few scoring opportunities, Nigeria's sports minister Solomon Dalung insisted that the team could have seen out the game without losing.

"We lost the match due to poor technical judgment which failed to inject necessary changes to compliment (sic) the effort of the team that was under last minute pressure," Dalung tweeted in reply to a post by a licensed FIFA players' agent Onugbu Andy Okwuise.

Like Dalung, Onugbu blamed Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, for the loss.

"The players gave a very good account of themselves yesterday but one would've expected the coach to make a tactical change at that 86th minutes when that free kick was awarded against Nigeria," Onugbu said. "He would have introduced a defensive back up."

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/943993543?-19787:29107:3

Rohr Reacts : Rojo's 'Clear Handball', Why Idowu Started Ahead Of Ebuehi, Etebo's Free-Kick

Published: June 27, 2018

Rohr Reacts : Rojo's 'Clear Handball', Why Idowu Started Ahead Of Ebuehi, Etebo's Free-Kick
Gernot Rohr thought it was a wrong decision by the Turkish referee, Cüneyt Cakır, not to award a penalty to his team after a handball by Manchester United's Argentina defender Marcos Rojo in the 75th minute in Tuesday's World Cup match in St. Petersburg.

Oghenekaro Etebo and Tyronne Ebuehi had given away two penalties in the Super Eagles first two games in Russia against Croatia and Iceland, and the German admitted that he was delighted that the referee pointed to the spot after Javier Mascherano pulled Leon Balogun by the shirt in the 49th minute.

''Stories of penalties again, I believe that it was handball, I didn't see the video, it is difficult to decide for the referee and make a good interpretation of the VAR, it is not easy.

''We could have scored from a free-kick (from Etebo), we believe it was in but it wasn't. A few centimeters sometimes decides if you win or lose. My team gave away two penalties, today we had one, I was happy about it, unfortunately it was not enough.''

Rohr has refused to criticize Brian Idowu for his performance, and explained that he named the Russian-based defender in the starting XI ahead of Tyronne Ebuehi because of his defensive qualities.

''Lionel Messi, when you have him on the right side coming in with his left foot, you must have a good defender with a good right foot.

''We have another one who played in the second half against Iceland who is more offensive but is not too good defensively.

''He caused a penalty in the first match because he is very young, he has the time to learn to defend well.

''Brian Idowu is a much better defender and he did well especially against Messi, Messi scored a goal but he did it with his right foot.

''What we did in the second half was very good with Brian Idowu. He can play on the left side and the right side also,'' he added.

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=28313

This coach no get sense at all. Na Ahmed be coach abi na em bi coach?

How can Musa decides to play when he doesn't know the tactics you wan use? Nna e!

So, Iheanacho was not fit yet you put him there just to please nairalanders and other fans.

When I said this guy selection is based on sentiment people think say I dey craze.


Rohr Reveals : Iheanacho Was Not Fit To Start Vs Argentina, Musa Refused To Be Substituted

Published: June 27, 2018
Rohr Reveals : Iheanacho Was Not Fit To Start Vs Argentina, Musa Refused To Be Substituted
Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has explained why he delayed with his substitution during the national team's 2-1 loss to Argentina on Tuesday evening.

Apart from introducing ex-Watford striker Odion Ighalo at half-time, the German had to wait until the 90th minute before making his second change, bringing out Kenneth Omeruo for Alex Iwobi, then made a third substitution in the second minute of injury time.

Rohr has sensationally revealed that Kelechi Iheanacho was not fit to start the game and his Leicester City teammate Ahmed Musa refused to be subbed out, with the number seven assuring the coach he was okay to carry on.

''There was a change already at half-time, so you cannot say it's late changes. Then we did so well, we had one day less after the difficult match with Iceland and Argentina played the day before,'' Rohr said at the post-match press conference.

''I wanted to bring out Ahmed Musa but he said he wanted to stay and was fit to finish the match, we were waiting for the end of the match to make two other changes, everybody did well, nobody had to go out.

''If I had seen what happened in the first half, perhaps I would not have started with the same team because one of my players was not really fit and he went out halftime but you never can know.

''It's possible one player in the starting XI is not fit, we have to accept that and make the change.''

The Super Eagles were eliminated from the World Cup after finishing third in Group D with three points.

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=28311

Mujtahida:
I expected his sub at half time and I was not surprised. I also expected Rohr to bring in Ebuehi for Idowu and then any of the defensive midfielders for Musa at the 80 minutes mark. He didn't do it. Immediately they scored us, he made two subs. Why I can't tell

There was no need of removing Idowu because he defended well and still initiated counter attacks from his wing. Instead, Musa and Etebo should have been removed for Joel and Onazi.

These two players are experienced enough for such game. Most especially Onazi who played in the last World cup.

I am pained alot because of the way we crashed out.

Rohr saw Argentina changed tactics to add more attackers and midfielders to chock us but he didn’t react. So sad.

klexycole:
What if he did and we still lose?

With five minutes left, na delay tactics sure pass and substitution is one of it.

There was no way we could have lost that match if we bring in Onazi and Joel to defend in the middle and on the flank where they crossed the ball to score. It was so obvious that place was jam parked with many Argentina players.

You saw what Argentina did with the remaining 5 minutes. They wasted time.

TheGoodJoe:
Personally no. Rohr is not creative and attacking enough to take our football to the height we can reach. His match reading skill is not sharp enough to note some basics.

Pulling Nacho out for Ighalo was Reducing the sum of our speed. What we needed was to increase our tempo.

Nacho flopped big time yesterday. Sorry.

Sainty92:
I have slept over the rush of emotions yesterday and I feel much better today to talk about this team. I think they fought gallantly. The plot was lost after our first game against Croatia. I think this team should not be disbanded except for the normal change of aged players or those who really have no business being in the team. Players like Ighalo, Echiejile, Joel, Akpeyi, and sad to say our captain Mikel might have come to the end of d road for their international career. But I pray and hope Mikel stays and lead us to Afcon 2019 and probably the next worldcup in Qatar(Yes, I have seen players do it at 40. why can't Mikel at 35?)albeit as a bit part player with experience. But it seems 2019 afcon will be his swansong if not now. The team is youthful and would blossom more together if kept. I think Rohr should not be sacked. He can lead us to afcon 2019 glory. Ekong can be a potential captain in case Mikel decides to hang his boots now(I hope not). With injection of new youngsters to compliment the ones already on ground, we would come back stronger. Our best positive from this worldcup is the experience gained by the youngsters, Uzoho, Ekong, Etebo,Ndidi,Kelechi and Ebuehi whom we finally capped. If u add Nwakali, Olaoluwa Aina, Dessers, Lookman Ademola(I have a feeling he will opt out for Nigeria), Tosin kehinde, Maduka Okoye, Tammy Abraham(probably to replace Ighalo), Philip biling of Huddersfield, etc, we will take the world by storm come 2022.
On a personal note, I will like to thank those who kept this thread going from d onset. You are all too numerous to mention and I would feel partial if I leave out any name cos I can't mention all. So it is better not to mention at all. But u know yourselves. You guys rock. We have always been like one big family and I hope we all survive the hassles of the world to be alive and come back to cheer our team to greater heights come 2022 and afcon 2019.
Will be a bit part analyst from now till November wen afcon qualifiers resumes, but it will be highly unjust of me to just take a break without apologising to those I have annoyed with my choice of words unknowingly and knowingly. safarigirl our queen mother here is one person I wanna apologise to for our fracas some months back. I believe she knows our exchange of words was due to d heat of the moment. Football can bring tension and emotions sometimes especially when it is for your beloved country. Am sorry dear. We will come back to do more in November (winks).
God bless you all who made this forum thick from our journey throughout the qualifiers. It was worthwhile. I hope we are back soon to do it again. Ghost analyst for now. Love you all..... Go eagles!!! Soar higher!!
Sainty92

I think Rohr should stay but we need to change his assistants and goalkeeper trainer.

For me, John Obuh is the best man better to replace those yeye assistants.

But if we don't want a Nigerian who will be bias in selection and who will be able to convince our foreign born then John Salako is the man.

Besides, Idowu is a very good player.

[quote author=junnyjake post=68857643][/quote]Martins my man.

Rohr believes in loyalty than talent. Na wa ooooooo.

ykalhaji:
I know I said I was done, but you guys saying Victor Moses was bad or had attitude problems. If it wasn't for Vic Moses Di Maria would have scored 4 goals. If it wasn't for his timely tackles, interceptions, stoppers and positioning we for don over here am. If we had won that game or drawn he would have been the man of the match.

Etebo was good in tackling, holding and roaming, but his attack making decision skill set cost us the game. He needs to develop that.

To the GoodJoe. That is the reason Mikel kept coming up front.

Etebo, Mikel and Ndidi should never play together again.

All Etebo did, Ndidi would have done with Mikel and /or Ogu's protection at the back while passing quickly to either Vic Mo or Musa or Iheanacho who actually have experience and composure to attack, something we know Etebo needs time developing.

As soon as Argentina changed tactics from 4-4-2 to 3-4-3, Rohr should have responded by bringing in a midfielder. Onazi for Ahmed Musa and later Joel Obi for Etebo.

Two midfielders to control the midfield. At 85 minutes, we can use 2 minutes to make the first change and another 3 minutes for the second change. That is 5 minutes already. But Rohr refused to react.

I hope he has learnt his lessons before he continues as our coach.

junnyjake:
Not all referees would be that forgiving.

There was a Nigerian player ahead of Di Maria else na red card if only Di Maria was alone.

Hull defender Moses Odubajo joins up with Celtic camp in Austria ahead of potential move to Scottish champions

By John Mcgarry
00:48 BST 27 Jun 2018,

comments

Latest From MailOnline

Hull defender Moses Odubajo joined up with Celtic in Austria on Wednesday
The player met up with Brendan Rodgers ahead of a potential summer move
Odubajo looks set to become the Northern Irishman's second signing of summer
Moses Odubajo joined up with Celtic in Austria on Wednesday night - with the Hull City full-back set for talks with Brendan Rodgers about a possible move to Glasgow.

On the day Stuart Armstrong completed his £7million move to Southampton, 24-year-old Odubajo arrived at the club's pre-season training camp with a view to becoming the Irishman's second permanent signing of the transfer window.

A former England Under-20 cap, the Londoner has endured a difficult time through injury over the past two years but hopes to revive his career once his deal with the Championship club expires this weekend.

He started out at Leyton Orient before joining Brentford in 2014 then made a £3.5m move to Hull 12 months later.

He was the first-choice right-back as his new club were promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs in his first season but a serious knee injury sustained soon after put him out of the game.

Despite failing to feature for Hull for fully two seasons, Rodgers believes he could potentially offer competition and cover for Mikael Lustig with discussions now ongoing.

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/943947080?-15048:5

World Cup 2018, Nigeria 1-2 Argentina: Best and worst players from the game

A closer look at the best and worst performers from the exciting encounter between Argentina and Nigeria in Group D at the FIFA

World Cup.1 hr ago

Nived Zenith
ANALYST

Rojo scored the winner for Argentina on the night
Rojo scored the winner for Argentina on the night
Argentina secured qualification to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup with a late win over Nigeria in their Group D encounter at the Saint Petersburg Arena. Jorge Sampaoli opted for a tactical tweak and a number of notable changes in personnel heading into La Albiceleste's must-win game against the Super Eagles, who were yet again put to the sword at football's biggest stage by Argentina.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 14th minute after he got on the end of a sublime pass from Ever Banega to slot the ball past Francis Uzoho in goal for Nigeria. However, Nigeria were presented with a glorious opportunity in the second half when the referee awarded a penalty against Javier Mascherano after he had man-handled Leon Balogun inside the penalty area.Victor Moses made no mistake from the spot and scored what looked like the goal that could possibly knock Argentina out of the World Cup. Nigeria were ever so close to doing the same and were just four minutes away from booking their place in the pre-quarters before Marcos Rojo scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, to emerge as an unlikely hero for Sampaoli's men on the night.The result helped Argentina finish second in Group B, only behind Croatia who retained top-spot with a win over Iceland, and La Albiceleste will face France on 30th June at the Kazan Arena in the pre-quarters. Without further delay, let's take a closer look at the best and worst performers from this intriguing encounter:

#1 Best - Ever Banega (Argentina)

Ever Banega dominated proceedings in the middle of the park
Ever Banega produced a stellar performance in midfield for La Albiceleste on the night and he was certainly their best player on the pitch. The 29-year-old was awarded a first start of the tournament by Jorge Sampaoli and the decision more than worked out in favour of his side.

The midfielder dominated proceedings in the center for Argentina and now that we look back, it almost feels like Sampaoli was quite clueless about what he can offer to this team in the first place. That is probably the only rational explanation left to justify Banega's lack of involvement up until this point.It was Banega who opened up Nigeria with a defence-splitting lob pass over the top for Lionel Messi's opening goal on the night and he looked more than dangerous every time he had the ball at his feet. Moreover, it was his composure that helped bring balance to Argentina in the middle of the park after Javier Mascherano started losing the plot against the stubborn approach by the Nigerians

#2 Worst - Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria)

Iheanacho failed to make an impact for Nigeria
The Leicester City forward was teamed up alongside his club team-mate Ahmed Musa at the top for Nigeria and Gernot Rohr would have hoped that the duo would work together in tandem to try and exploit the Argentine defenders with their pace. However, the partnership failed to blossom and Kelechi Iheanacho was seen as a frustrated figure for the majority of the game.

The 21-year-old failed to link up play with his teammates and lacked the hunger or desire to try and force the initiative on his counterparts on the night. Iheanacho fluffed his lines early on when he was presented with the ball by Javier Mascherano and that effort pretty much gave a preview of what was in store for the striker.Iheanacho was the first player to be taken off and was replaced by Odion Ighalo right after the half-time break


#3 Best - Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi finally opens his account with a well-taken finish
The tweak in formation certainly worked wonders for Lionel Messi who opened his account for this year's tournament with a composed finish to put Argentina ahead on the night. It only took 14 minutes for Messi to make an impact against Nigeria when he timed his run to perfection to get on the end of a delightful lob pass over the defence from Ever Banega.

However, the job was far from done and with two exquisite touches of the ball he set himself up for a comfortable finish that would send the Argentina supporters at the Saint Petersburg Arena into a delirium of noise. They had finally witnessed what they had hoped for on the night, the Superman from Rosario carrying the hopes of their nation yet again.Messi had more in his locker and provided a killer pass shortly thereafter to send Higuain through on goal, but the latter was denied by the heroics of Francis Uzoho. Argentina's talisman was denied a second goal on the night by the woodwork after he tried to curl one past Uzoho from a free-kick routine

#4 Worst - Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

Mascherano conceded the penalty on the night
Mascherano was not at his influential best
Javier Mascherano did not enjoy a particularly good day at the office against Nigeria on the night and the warning bells were ringing loud and clear when he misplaced a couple of dreadful passes as early as in the first quarter of the match.

The first one was quite abysmal for his standards after he played it straight to Kelechi Iheanacho's feet, another player who struggled majorly on the night, but the striker failed to capitalize on the opportunity.Argentina's most capped player struggled to make an impact in midfield and made just a single successful tackle to go with his rather uncharacteristic sloppy passing. To make things even worse for the veteran, he was penalized by referee Cuneyt Cakir in the second half for holding down Leon Balogun inside the penalty area. Mascherano picked up a booking in the process to cap off a disappointing night for him in national team colours

#5 Best - Victor Moses (Nigeria)

Moses produced a calm head in front of goal

Victor Moses shouldered the responsibility of restoring parity for Nigeria from the penalty spot in a virtual knockout game on the night and he did not disappoint. The Chelsea wing-back sent Franco Armani the wrong way and dispatched his penalty with a calm and composed head to breathe life back into the game.That was not all for Moses on the night as he worked tirelessly on the flanks for Gernot Rohr's men by running up and down without any signs of slowing down. The 27-year-old held more than his own in defence and did not hesitate to push forward whenever required to make up the numbers for his side in the opposition's half.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/football/world-cup-2018-nigeria-1-2-argentina-best-and-worst-performers-from-the-game-ss

goldfish80:
He should have subbed Musa for Ebuehi since Musa spent alot of energy attacking the Argentine full back.
He was totally gassed out so couldn't help Idowu in the final 10 mins. Rohr wasn't smart at all.
Maybe the occasion got to him.

I think those his assistants are waste. We should change them, abeg.

goldfish80:
He should have subbed Musa for Ebuehi since Musa spent alot of energy attacking the Argentine full back.
He was totally gassed out so couldn't help Idowu in the final 10 mins. Rohr wasn't smart at all.
Maybe the occasion got to him.

I also thought about removing Ahmed but after I saw Ighalo missed, I changed mind.

Anyhow anyhow, he should brought someone in to help Idowu.

On the other hand, Idowu really tried to win balls and give passes that led to counter attacks.

BascoVanVeli:
Rohr is known for building his sand castle and stepping on it. I don't know if it was player issues but Rohr lost his ways. It was clear to see when he didn't take Mikel out and put a Joel Obi or Onazi to steel up the midfield. Rohr that I know takes Mikel off around 70 minutes but every thing changed at the world cup.

That's true. Rohr under normal circumstances would have removed Mikel.

If this is how he to step on us, then he has to go.

BascoVanVeli:
Yo but we had this argument here about the goal the guy from Croatia scored(can't remember who it was with). But my take was that Ighalo would have brought the ball down and shot. The same exact scenario plays out and homes completely falls my hands. I tell you that miss weak me die.

No bi small.

goldfish80:
Exactly. Pavon changed the game for Argentina. Rohr has himself to blame for not reacting to that substitution.
I expected a solid defensive bloc in the last 10 mins of the game.

It was obvious Idowu had two players on him and there was a lot of space in his area. Argentina saw it and used that side to punish us.

He should have brought in Joel Obi to cover those areas but the coach just spoil market.

I am not happy at all.

BascoVanVeli:
I now believe there might have been an issue with Onazi because it is just shocking that the guy didn't log a single minute. I think his national team career under Rohr is over.

Why should issues among players make Rohr to drop Onazi?

If that is the case, I think Rohr should just leave because he allowed the issue to spoil show for us.

edi287:
Bring on Pavon stretched us badly. Rohr should've brought on either Onazi or J Obi to mop things up...

Exactly! But he was just looking.

Nna e! I am very sad little mistake caused us to go out.

daveP:
Just like Harry Kane goal in that friendly, Uzoho reacted slow to Rojo's strike. He has a slow slow reaction to me.


But he is far from the top 3 I'd like to blame.

You can't blame Uzoho for that goal.

daveP:
What happened to time wasting. we had a draw on our hands.... how about passing and running deep. oh I've forgotten we were under pressure.

No bi person wey get energy go pass dey run?

The pressure was due to the fresh legs Argentina brought into the game and our tired players.

charlesemeka85:
bobo attitude in the first half wasnt encouraging at all. he did better in the 2nd half though

Which attitude?

The guy worked for the team throughout the match and you can see Argentina knew he was a threat hence the marking they gave him.

Honestly, Victor Moses' talent was wasted on that wing.

charlesemeka85:
the team gave their best but moving to the next round wasnt meant to be. the future of the team is very bright but few legs have to be dropped. ighalo was the biggest culprit and his days seem numbered in the team. victor moses attitude have been suspect and its high time he decides if he wish to continue with the team. in uzoho i think our problem of searching for a goal minder have been settled but quality competition for the position will be a welcomed development. mikel played his heart out and i doff my hat out for him. iheanacho seem to be a shadow of his old self i needs to sit ASAP. finally i urge the nff to retain rohr, he has done much in just a little while and have been able to assemble a team with so much promise and prospect. the team is out but the future of the team is very bright. we win together and we win together. well done boys, thank you rohr!

Victor Moses suspect!?

What a joke.

daveP:
I can't blame Rohr ere o. I can't. They let themselves down.

I don't believe those players didn't try. Even Rohr tried with his tactics but he is too rigid in making fast decisions hence the battle we lost in the midfield.